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| Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon. Photo/© Knut Eisermann. |
Birding in Monterrico. Monterrico is a protected area on the Pacific coast of Guatemala dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and the native mangrove ecosystem. The conservation of local populations of sea turtles has been a difficult issue for years. The biggest threat faced by the turtles is the collection of their eggs by local people, long before they ever have a chance to hatch. Conservationists had been dialoging with locals in the area and imparting environmental education about these species for years when they finally struck a deal. The local egg harvesters agreed to voluntarily give a percentage of the eggs they collect to the scientific research center of San Carlos University on the premises. At the research center the eggs are buried in the sand and monitored by trained local rangers to assure the proper development and eclosion time of the eggs. Once the baby turtles hatch, a race is organized by the center where tourists can pay to host one of the small turtles as it takes its first steps toward the sea. The owner of the turtle which reaches the ocean first wins a free dinner at the restaurant hosting the race that day. In this way the turtle population is maintained at natural levels and risk of endangerment drastically reduced.
The mangrove habitat at Monterrico is a vital resource for the survival of many species: a breeding ground for shrimp and several different species of fish. Birding in Monterrico is mainly focussed on the feeding area for aquatic birds like the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Great Egret (Egretta alba), Wood Storck (Mycteria americana), Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea), White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa), to name just a few. By creating a protected area at Monterrico, not only the sea turtles benefit, but all of the wide variety of species which inhabit the mangroves as well.
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| It is an impressive birding experience when thousands of Great Egrets Egretta alba gather in the shallow lagoons in Monterrico during migration. Photo/© Knut Eisermann. |
Monterrico also boasts other diverse habitats like the dry coastal forest, where you can spot birds like the White-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta formosa), Rufous-naped Wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha), Stripe-headed Sparrow (Aimophila ruficauda), Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa), Inca dove (Columbina inca), Orange-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga canicularis) and White-bellied Chachalaca (Ortalis leucogastra).
Accomodation: Monterrico has several hotels, from basic to very comfortable.
For independent travelers:
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When is the best time for a vist in Monterrico? Any time of year is terrific for a visit. Birds are most abundant from September to May.
How do you support conservation and development in Monterrico? On our mangrove tour we collaborate with the local tour operator Iguana Tours. This is an association of forest rangers and people involved in conservation. This association was the start point of many local guides, who show the mangrove to thousands of tourists. On this way an alternative income was created which helps to lower the impact on natural ressources. 
